There’s a real magic in choosing the right festive soundtrack for a store and I believe that when done thoughtfully, it’s one of the most powerful ways to connect with people during the holiday season. But this isn’t just about putting on “Jingle Bells” on repeat. It’s about understanding human psychology, emotion, and behavior, and using that insight to create a space that feels deeply human.

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The Power of Mood: How Festive Music Influences Emotion and Spending

Studies show that background music isn’t just window dressing,  it can actually steer shoppers’ moods, how long they browse, and even what ends up in their carts. One field study in real stores found that everything from the type of music to the store layout, and yes, even the shopper’s gender, can subtly shape the shopping experience. (Andersson et al. 1)

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Walking into a store during the holidays is an emotional rollercoaster; excitement, nostalgia, stress, hope, all rolled into one. That’s where festive music comes in. Chris Baumann from Macquarie Business School found that the right tunes don’t just set a vibe, they can actually loosen spending restraint. When shoppers feel happier or nostalgic, they’re more likely to treat themselves or splurge a little extra. It’s not manipulation; it’s the magic of music as an emotional lever, and when it’s done right, it feels completely natural. (“Do festive tunes make Christmas shopping ‘ho, ho, hell’?”)

Nostalgia Is a Double-Edged Sword, Use It With Intention

Holiday music has a powerful way of tugging at heartstrings. The right tunes can make shoppers feel warm, connected, and a little more generous with their wallets. But nostalgia isn’t universally loved. Baumann’s research shows that for some people, overplayed or loud festive songs can be more “ho, ho, heck no” than “ho, ho, ho.”

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That’s why we can’t just rely on the classics. A great playlist balances the comforting and familiar with fresh, unexpected tracks that keep things lively and fun - enough nostalgia to spark joy, but never enough to spark eye-rolls (“Do festive tunes make Christmas shopping ‘ho, ho, hell’?”)

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Being Mindful of Tradition and Belief

Holiday music can be deeply personal, and not everyone connects with religious songs in the same way. At QSIC, we intentionally steer away from religious holiday music, focusing instead on universally joyful tracks that capture the warmth, nostalgia, and energy of the season. This approach ensures that playlists feel welcoming to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.

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We balance familiar classics with modern festive songs, creating an atmosphere that feels festive without leaning on specific traditions. By doing this, we make sure that the music enhances the shopping experience, lifts spirits, and fosters connection - all while being inclusive and respectful of diverse audiences.

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Our goal is simple: to create a festive soundscape that everyone can enjoy, where the music itself spreads cheer, encourages engagement, and helps customers feel truly part of the seasonal celebration.

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QSIC Staff Picks: Top 5 Christmas Songs for Retail

1. Underneath the Tree - Kelly Clarkson. A bright, uplifting pop‑Christmas anthem with bells and a big chorus, great for upbeat, feel‑good retail energy. 

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2. Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande. A modern festive classic; catchy, youthful and instantly recognisable

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3. Mistletoe - Justin Bieber. A relaxed, warm‑toned holiday pop song with a slightly different vibe — good when you want something mellow but still festive.

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4. A Nonsense Christmas -  Sabrina Carpenter. Light, modern and fun; it brings a youthful, contemporary flavor to holiday playlists.

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5. DJ Play a Christmas Song - Cher. A bold, dance‑pop take on holiday music; perfect for adding energy and a slightly unexpected twist to a store playlist. 

Why This Matters to Us and to Brands

For us, curating festive music isn’t a last-minute checkbox it’s a craft with real purpose. Every playlist is designed to feel honest, thoughtful, and welcoming to everyone who walks through the door.

We blend nostalgic classics with surprising modern twists, keeping the soundtrack fun, fresh, and far from predictable. Tempo and familiarity are our secret weapons: faster or unexpected tracks spark curiosity and exploration, while familiar favorites give shoppers that cozy, “home for the holidays” comfort.

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It’s not just about the songs themselves. We team up with stores to align music with lighting, scents, and visuals, creating fully immersive festive experiences that delight the senses.

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Bottom line: festive music isn’t just decoration, it’s emotional design. It lifts spirits, draws people in, and strengthens the bond between a brand and its customers. When done right, we’re not just playing Christmas songs; we’re creating little moments that make a big impact. And those moments? They really do matter.

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Sources

“Let the music play or not: The influence of background music on consumer behavior.” Andersson, Pernille K., et al.Elsevier, vol. 19, no. 9, 2012, p. 1. Science Direct.

“Do festive tunes make Christmas shopping ‘ho, ho, hell’?” The Lighthouse, Macquarie University, 10 12 2019.

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